Our eye is a very sensitive and fragile organ, just like any other part of our body, it needs constant care, and proper eye care is necessary to avoid deterioration and other eye-related as we age. There are certain things we can do to help our eyesight, take a look at 7 healthy habits that can improve our eyesight.
- Eating Healthy; a healthy diet is very important in improving your eyesight, studies shows that nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc can help reduce the risk of contracting eye disease such as glaucoma and cataracts. These vitamins also have antioxidants that help protect the eyes from deficiency. Eating foods like eggs, potatoes, spinach, and milk can keep your eyes moist and reduce your risk of night blindness and other eye infections.
- Limit Screen Time; spending too much time in front of a screen can affect your eye, it can cause eyestrain, blurry vision, dry eyes, and headaches and can lead to “Computer Vision Syndrome” It is important to follow the 20-20-20 rule when using a screen. The 20-20-20 rule says, to look away from your screen every 20 minutes, focus on something at least 20 feet away from you, and keep your eyes on that object for 20 minutes, this will reduce the pressure on your eyes.
- Use Sunglasses; the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun can affect our eyesight, it can damage our eyesight, cause macular degeneration or cataracts. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from the damaging effects of Ultraviolet rays. If your work requires you to use the computer for a long period it is advisable you attach an anti-glare to your screen or wear a pair of anti-glare glasses. This is because your computer screen emits harmful rays called blue light which can damage the eyes.
- Avoid Itching; rubbing your eyes or itching them can irritate them, injure your corneas, or cause a condition called keratoconus which can lead to blurred or distorted vision and difficulty seeing in low light. Also, touching your eyes can transfer bacteria and germs from your hands to your eyes leading to eye infections. It is advisable to wash hands before changing lenses and avoid touching the face and eyes frequently.
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- Change Lens Frequently; in a case where you use contact lenses, it is important you don’t use your lenses longer than the recommended time, using longer than the recommended time can lead to eye infection. Replace your scratched or damaged lenses immediately, worn-out glasses can diminish the quality of your vision. If you use eyeglasses, clean your glasses with microfiber cloth as harsh materials can scratch your lenses. Visit your optometrist to ensure your glasses fit correctly, ill fitted glasses can cause discomfort, headaches, and eye strain.
- Eye Exercise; you can put your eyes through simple exercise, stare at a distant object for 15 seconds, switch your gaze to a nearer object, then stare at it for another 15 seconds, and repeat this cycle 4-5 times. This exercise is important because it can help relax the eye muscles and reduce discomfort. Blinking rapidly for a few seconds can help lubricate your eyes and reduce dryness. Eye rolling in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction for a few seconds can help improve eye mobility and reduce eye muscle tension.
- Exam your Eye Regularly; seeing an optometrist regularly does not mean you have an eye defect, it is important to protect the eyes, and regular eye checks can help ensure any vision problems are detected and corrected early. In addition, some conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your eyes in a way that only an optometrist or ophthalmologist can see during routine exams.
Eye health is also connected to age, older people should be aware of eye disorders, it is important to always visit your optometrist for regular check-ups. Since our eyes are fragile, it is important to meticulously take care of them by observing these simple health habits.